General Taylor fighting in Matamoros
Author
Recipient
Date Written
May 14, 1846
James Wall Schureman was 24 years old when this was written.
The recipient, Mary Elizabeth Schureman, was 22 when it was received.
James Wall Schureman died 5 years, 8 months, 16 days after writing this.
It was written 177 years, 4 months, 21 days ago.
It was a Thursday.
Fort Gratiot Mich.
May 14, 1846
My Dear Sister,
You must not consider this as a regular letter or as an answer to your last for I have principally written to inform you of the situation of our little army or the Rio Grande and of the prospects of our being sent there. Herewith I enclose a circular issued this morning in Detroit, it will give you all the latest news appertaining to the former, with regard to the latter, we are all in a “stew” as the saying is, I think we will not be ordered there for the present and for reasons too numerous to mention in a short letter. Should the war become general we without doubt will be sent there but not imagine before. The 1st Infantry now concentrated at Jefferson Bks. St. Louis, have received orders and by this time are on their way. The 1st Dragoons have likely also, but we have not yet heard of it. From all of what I can learn Gen. Taylor has without doubt before this opened two batteries upon Matamoros, and perhaps taken it [?] is rather an unpleasant one surrounded as he is in an enemy’s country, and perhaps trammeled by positive orders from Head quarters, but it is to be hoped that ere this he has received reinforcements from Texas and New Orleans—He is intrenched strongly enough with his regular force, to resist, five or six times his number of Mexicans, but they have cut off his supplies. Of himself, he can of course, furnish no more, but by a private letter I learn that—upon short allowance he has enough to serve for some 30 days in which time, aid could arrive from New Orleans. That city is all excitement from last account. Should we receive orders to march, contrary to my expectations at present, I will of course inform you immediately—Col. Riley and lady are at present here. He thinks our regiment will not be ordered. No news other than the Mexican of any importance at the post. The regiments generally do not wish to go, I presume as the officers are mostly married, but not being in that fire myself, I must confess I should like to see some service. And if possible render my country some return for the favor it has done me in giving me an education. I will write to you again in a few days, until then, I bid you a good night. Give my love to Father, Mother, Aunt, and the rest. Believe me as ever your affectionate brother,
Ja. W. Schureman
Scans of Letter
